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///Milien · Sep 15, 2003, 09:09 PM

...preferrably Bluetooth; I've seen the M$ version but rather not go that route. What do you use and what are your impressions?

TIA

subego · Sep 15, 2003, 09:26 PM

Originally posted by ///Milien:
...preferrably Bluetooth; I've seen the M$ version but rather not go that route. What do you use and what are your impressions?

TIA

Rumor mill is abuzz with a soon to be released Apple BT keyboard/mouse combo. Maybe even tomorrow.

I've heard nothing but good things about the M$ stuff, but I don't want one either.

maxintosh · Sep 15, 2003, 09:28 PM

I'm willing to bet Apple's will be 1-button.

My Apple external keyboard is dying so I ordered the Logitech MX Duo because I've heard nothing but good things.

iDriveX · Sep 16, 2003, 01:40 AM

Why don't you just order the Apple one in 4 hours. The Battery life is outstanding. It really blows the Microsoft one out of the water.

slugslugslug · Sep 16, 2003, 02:26 AM

I have a Logitech Cordless Elite Duo, which I think was superceded by the MX. The keyboard's great and the mouse is comfy, though I wish it had a 5th button (or 4th if you don't count the wheel), 'cause 2 buttons for back/forth in a browser are handy-dandy. It's not bluetooth, though, and there's no sign of Logitech making a bluetooth one.

Microsoft mice that I've used have been great too, and one huge advantage over Logitech is that in both the mouse and keyboard software, you can customize the extra buttons/keys for each individual application. Cool. I think the only reason I didn't get MS is at the time their only wireless mouse was just 2-btn + scroll.

On the other hand, I don't know if Microsoft's OS X drivers work with their BT stuff, which could mean only 2 buttons/scroll on the mouse and no media keys on the 'board.

On the other Other Hand, new MS input devices should be announced sometime today, so maybe they'll officially support OS X w/the new BT ones.

As far as Apple goes, I bet their keyboard will look and feel great, but if it doesn't have the media keys like Logitech and MS, it doesn't seem worth it. I know cable clutter is relevant but really, the best thing about the wireless keyboard is controlling iTunes from across the room without caring if it's the frontmost app.

So, recommendations: Microsoft. Unless your conscience just can't bear giving them any money. In which case, maybe you can find one that fell off a truck..

Or maybe apple will surprise me and but lots of extra buttons/keys on their gear (yet keep the design elegant..) we'll see in a few hours..

slugslugslug · Sep 16, 2003, 02:29 AM

Originally posted by slugslugslug:

[blah blah blah]

Good lord, that was unreasonably wordy, eh? Sorry 'bout that.

ae86_16v · Sep 16, 2003, 04:14 AM

The Apple Ones. . .

///Milien · Sep 16, 2003, 07:54 AM

Thanks everyone for you input. I heard that Apple was releasing their BT accessories soon (confirmed this morning). The keyboard looks nice (which is something I will pick up) but disappointed in the mouse. For some reason, it doesn't surprise me that Apple only released a single button mouse, but too bad it isn't rechargeable. Guess I have to decide which direction I want to go on the mouse.

I've used the M$ wireless mouse (non-BT) and had some problems. Since then, I've shied away from M$ wireless products. I haven't tried any of the Logitech products but have heard some good things. Anyone tried or have heard any feedback on the Macally peripherals?

Thanks again.

///M.

AssassyN · Sep 16, 2003, 09:28 AM

Whatever you do, DON'T buy the Apple ones. Cheap plastic + one button - a scroll wheel = crap.

Thilo Ettelt · Sep 16, 2003, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by AssassyN:
Whatever you do, DON'T buy the Apple ones. Cheap plastic + one button - a scroll wheel = crap.

But you have to admit that the "cheap plastic" is very durable! And on the other hand you haven't tested the mouse yet, I guess your statement is based on the current Apple Pro Mouse since your post lacks the essential information about being wireless. The Apple Wireless Mouse Pros are the battery time (allegedly) 3 months vs 1 week (high usage, tested by myself) on the Logitech MX700. And maybe good transfer rates (no lags, unlike the older wireless M$ IntelliExpolorer mouse had), although this is yet unconfirmed. Addtionally the Off Switch is something really great and should be added to every wireless accessory since this will save battery time without the inconvenience of taking out the batteries. But every product has a con, so on the Apple Wireless Mouse it is probably the charger, yet again this depends on the battery time. The buttons and scrollwheel are rather a matter of taste/usage and should be an independent decision. You cannot say a mouse that has only button has to be less expensive than with 5 which are intuitivly accessible. Both concepts might be intuitive and innovative, so the price tag shouldn't be taken into consideration when the usage clearly leads the decision.

- Thilo

pantalaimon · Sep 28, 2003, 09:58 AM

I'm thinking of getting the Apple wireless keyboard and mouse to go with my Powerbook 15" and icurve for use at home. The new keyboard looks more professional and I like the sharp lines. The one button issue doesn't concern me at all, i've used an apple pro mouse for the last 3 years and have never wished I had an extra button.

I'm curious to hear what other Powerbook users set-up is at home, external monitor? BT keyboard and mouse? 3rd party? It may help me sort out what kind of set-up I want at home before my Powerbook arrives.

Also any reviews of the BT keyboard and Mouse would be appreciated (leaving out the 2 botton issue)

subego · Sep 28, 2003, 11:41 AM

Originally posted by pantalaimon:
I'm thinking of getting the Apple wireless keyboard and mouse to go with my Powerbook 15" and icurve for use at home. The new keyboard looks more professional and I like the sharp lines. The one button issue doesn't concern me at all, i've used an apple pro mouse for the last 3 years and have never wished I had an extra button.

I'm curious to hear what other Powerbook users set-up is at home, external monitor? BT keyboard and mouse? 3rd party? It may help me sort out what kind of set-up I want at home before my Powerbook arrives.

Also any reviews of the BT keyboard and Mouse would be appreciated (leaving out the 2 botton issue)

Here's my Lil' Mini Review for the BT mouse.

I'll be glad to answer any specific questions. Since I wrote the review, I'm noticing a half-second delay when the thing wakes up, but other that, I'm happy as a pig in ****.

Here's my review for the BT keyboard.

I don't like that one as much, but as I say in the review, I haven't used it yet, so my impressions are more of a look and feel variety.